Interview with Debra L. Butterfield, Author of Abba's Promise

Join me in welcoming Debra Butterfield to the blog today. Debra's new book Abba's Promise is releasing this week, and she's here to tell us a little about it.

Thanks for joining us, Debra! So, what's the story behind Abba's Promise? 

Tamara Clymer, my boss at CrossRiver Media, and I were discussing putting out another anthology. I proposed the topic of God’s promises. Many Christians believe God can do all things, but they struggle to believe He will do those things just for them. Too many people fail to grasp or understand the depth of God’s love for us and, as believers, our identity as His children. I wanted to provide a book that would encourage readers in knowing they can trust God to fulfill His promises to them.

Who did you imagine reading Abba's Promise while you wrote it?

I pictured someone like me who knows God is capable of doing amazing things in our lives, but who she struggles to believe God loves her enough to
intervene in her life.

What is the best place for you to write?

Undoubtedly outdoors, in the morning, in the quiet of my front porch. But my laptop needs a new battery and the weather doesn’t always cooperate, so I do most of my writing at my desk. My desk is under an east-facing window so I often get to watch the sunrise as I write. I’m a morning person, and generally am up by 5:00. Nature sparks my creativity.

Me too! What is your favorite snack while writing?

I don’t snack much while I write, but I always have a cup of coffee on hand in the mornings, and in the afternoon a cup of hot water during the winter months or a glass of ice water in the summer. When I stop for a break, I’ll grab a cookie or a homemade brownie (I flavor mine with almond) if I’ve had time to make any.

Now for some quirky questions...

You mostly write nonfiction, but you're a rockin' fiction editor. (Debra edited my latest novel, Aboard Providence.) Have you ever fallen in love with a character?

A rockin’ fiction editor. Thank you for saying that; I work hard at my editing. But have I ever fallen in love with a character? That is a quirky question! No, I can’t say I have, but yes, I can crush on a character, especially if that character has a steady roll in series. Your character Lt. Connor Bradshaw in The Land Uncharted would come close. Guys in uniform can grab my attention in a heartbeat, but once they get my attention I look for the deeper qualities of honesty, commitment, and belief in God. Connor meets my qualifications!

Yeah, Connor is dreamy. And he's working on something huge in the next Uncharted book. ;)

How do you feel about pen names?

I’d rather people used their real name, but I understand that sometimes your topic might be sensitive, such as a battle with pornography or being sexually abused, and a pen name allows you to maintain privacy for you and your family.

You wake up tomorrow morning with a superpower. What is it and what would you do first?

I’d like the superpower of being able to transport myself—and anyone else I chose—anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye. The first thing I’d do is blink my way to Arkansas to see my daughter and watch my grandson play football. Then I’d blink my way to Colorado to see my son and granddaughter. A superpower like that would mean I could drop in for dinner and a game night whenever we wanted to get together!

Now that would be cool!

 

What is the most not-true-to-self writing or marketing idea you’ve considered (or done!)?

By far public speaking is the most not-true-to-self marketing I do. I’m an introvert, like many writers, but that doesn’t mean I’m shy. I enjoy speaking at writer’s conferences, writer’s groups and book clubs. But large groups are taxing on my emotional and physical energy, and I recharge by being alone.

I'm the same way. If you can't find me at a book signing, look under the table :)

How are your books different from the millions of other books?

My books are written from my heart and I know a million other people can say that too, but there’s always an element or two or three in my books that encourages and challenges readers to understand who they truly are and to go deeper in their relationship with God. I’m not afraid to tackle tough topics or pose situations that make people uncomfortable.

What one question has no one asked you about your books or writing life that you wish they would?

Most of the people I meet are writers at conferences. They know me as the editor from CrossRiver Media rather than as a writer. When people learn I’m a writer as well they often ask what I write, but never go beyond that. I guess it would be nice for them to ask why I write.

So, why do you write?

I write because I want to help people overcome their fears, to grow as individuals and as a child of God. I’ve faced a lot of battles throughout life, and I’m passionate about helping others get through theirs.

Where would you like people to connect with you online?

People can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thanks so much for being here today, Debra!

Debra L. Butterfield dreamed of being a writer since she was a pre-teen. She didn’t pursue her dream until she was forty-five years old and began as a junior copywriter with Focus on the Family. In 2006, she stepped into the world of freelance writer. Her magazine credits include CBN.com, Susie (now Sisterhood Magazine), Live, The Vision, and On Course online. She is a US Marine Corps veteran, enjoys the outdoors, reading, and crochet work. Debra has three adult children and two grandchildren whom she doesn’t see often enough. Oddly enough, she likes the smell of skunks. Learn more about Debra on her website.

Abba's Promise: 33 Stories of God's Pledge to Provide

From our smallest to our biggest need, Abba Father has promised to provide. When trouble or trials strike, we can find ourselves doubting the goodness of His Word. But the writer of Hebrews reminds us to “hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” (Heb. 10:23 NLT) God’s promises anchor our hope, and His words of promise are as close as the Bible.

Our personal testimony of how God has worked in our lives is a powerful weapon against Satan. In Abba’s Promise, you’ll find thirty-three personal stories of God’s provision. From finances to guidance for our lives to a simple exercise ball, these stories will encourage you and strengthen your faith.

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” — Rev. 12:11 (KJV)

Available now from CrossRiver Media and your favorite online retailers such as Amazon.